Leica DIGILUX 3 & D-LUX 3
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Saw both cams when I went back to Japan, the LX-2 and the D-Lux 3.
After much haggling I bought the D-Lux 3 for about 100 us extra over the LX-2.
Yes Im shallow I paid 100 bux for a red dot so there
On to the mini review
You know in the old Leica D-Lux they use to include a nice italian leather case with the cam to partly justify the cost increase over the Panasonic? I was kind of hoping they do the same but apparently nope, the nice brown hard leather case you see over the leica site is a 100 dollar extra, which is available next month.
I think the question that most people want to know is; "whats the difference between the LX-2 and the D-Lux 3?" Im afraid I cant tell you that either, since I dont have the LX-2.
But there was somebody in DPReview with both cams and took similar pics with both, look it up, its pretty recent.
I have searched all over the net for the above question before plunking down my money on this. So what I know about the cam from the reviews and forums...
The so called "Leica Profile" does indeed make the JPG image look different. The Leica has a more natural look while the Panasonic came up more vivid with extra colors.
But to the semi pro or pro photogs who uses RAW all the time, I dont think the difference will mean much, if anything at all.
Noise... another hot button issue in the Leica forums everywhere. While some swear, and others hope that the Leica would outperform the Panasonic, sadly I am sure that is not the case. And until someone can do a solid test on it, I wouldnt say otherwise.
Yes people, the water color smudge of ISO 400+ is still in the D-Lux 3.
And this I dont know, people say theres ISO 80, the catalog on the site says theres ISO 80, but from my camera the lowest ISO is 100. Above that is what they call iISO or "intelligent ISO" which according to the manual is nothing more than a center weighted auto ISO metering (the ISO adjusts automatically following the focus).
I have emailed their tech service regarding this matter, and still waiting their reply.
I cant say anything more on the differences between this and the LX-2.
On to the good parts, what is the difference from the LX-1? for those looking to upgrade.
The first thing you will notice is the LCD.
Although size wise the increase might be slight on paper, but dont forget that the old LX-1 had the wrong aspect 4:3 sized LCD, so pictures displayed there is actually letterboxed making it even smaller.
So now with a bigger LCD with the right aspect, its like wow! Alot of increase, and by far probably the most noticable upgrade.
The user interface changed very little, the LX-1 interface is excellent to begin with so I dont see the need to change, although it could have been nice if they could reformat it to the 16:9 aspect instead of just stretching the old interface.
What changed is the little things you notice. For example during shooting in the old LX-1 you can choose to display shooting info or SI and histogram, or the thirds grid but not all at the same time. This time you could, you even have a choice of 2 grids to use.
For the pros it might not seem much, but for anyone else, it helps somewhat if they want to learn about composition, the rule of thirds, golden mean, etc. or for more basic tasks like lining the horizon.
Besides that they have added a travel mode to the list of pre-programs. Not much use to me since im using a more sophisticated organizer on my PC.
On the picture review mode they have also added a "calendar mode!"
It shows a grid of the month much like your microsoft outlook so you can browse the pics by date taken...
Dunno, maybe someday I could find use for that calendar heheh.
And of course theres the increase in pixel count, which I think is not too significant.
I would have preferred a sensor size increase over this. Instead of squeezing more pixels in that already micro miniscule sensor plane.
So finally if you ask me, is it worth buying this over the LX-2?
I think the technical answer to that would be No.
Unless you are the amateur auto point and shooter which would benefit most from the better JPG image profiling, but then again, why would an amateur point and shooter buy a Leica?
For everyone else its technically 95% the same camera as the LX-2. Its "Fabrique' Au Japon" as the German people say, even though it says "Leica Camera Germany" on the back. Yes people this thing came out the same Japanese factory as the LX-2. So its all down to how much are you willing to pay for the "Red dot"?
For the LX-1 or D-Lux 2 owners is it worth it? Maybe.
I cannot highly recommend it, since the upgrade is only slight, mostly on the user interface side, picture quality wise, you can take a comparable shot with your old cam.
Brands aside this camera, be it Leica or Panasonic is a great camera, probably the best pro compact camera in the world, yes, in the world! One of the few compact cameras, if not the only one on sale now with RAW capabilities and all the creative features that would put alot of more expensive cameras to shame. Dont worry much about the noise issues dominating most of the reviews on the net, most of the time, you wont notice it.
And at a price point lower than when LX-1 first came out its a bargain.
Maybe in the future I would say only 2 things could improve this camera, a better sensor and an external flash support, if hotshoe is big, do Wireless flash dammit... now that would be the perfect compact cam.
After much haggling I bought the D-Lux 3 for about 100 us extra over the LX-2.
Yes Im shallow I paid 100 bux for a red dot so there
On to the mini review
You know in the old Leica D-Lux they use to include a nice italian leather case with the cam to partly justify the cost increase over the Panasonic? I was kind of hoping they do the same but apparently nope, the nice brown hard leather case you see over the leica site is a 100 dollar extra, which is available next month.
I think the question that most people want to know is; "whats the difference between the LX-2 and the D-Lux 3?" Im afraid I cant tell you that either, since I dont have the LX-2.
But there was somebody in DPReview with both cams and took similar pics with both, look it up, its pretty recent.
I have searched all over the net for the above question before plunking down my money on this. So what I know about the cam from the reviews and forums...
The so called "Leica Profile" does indeed make the JPG image look different. The Leica has a more natural look while the Panasonic came up more vivid with extra colors.
But to the semi pro or pro photogs who uses RAW all the time, I dont think the difference will mean much, if anything at all.
Noise... another hot button issue in the Leica forums everywhere. While some swear, and others hope that the Leica would outperform the Panasonic, sadly I am sure that is not the case. And until someone can do a solid test on it, I wouldnt say otherwise.
Yes people, the water color smudge of ISO 400+ is still in the D-Lux 3.
And this I dont know, people say theres ISO 80, the catalog on the site says theres ISO 80, but from my camera the lowest ISO is 100. Above that is what they call iISO or "intelligent ISO" which according to the manual is nothing more than a center weighted auto ISO metering (the ISO adjusts automatically following the focus).
I have emailed their tech service regarding this matter, and still waiting their reply.
I cant say anything more on the differences between this and the LX-2.
On to the good parts, what is the difference from the LX-1? for those looking to upgrade.
The first thing you will notice is the LCD.
Although size wise the increase might be slight on paper, but dont forget that the old LX-1 had the wrong aspect 4:3 sized LCD, so pictures displayed there is actually letterboxed making it even smaller.
So now with a bigger LCD with the right aspect, its like wow! Alot of increase, and by far probably the most noticable upgrade.
The user interface changed very little, the LX-1 interface is excellent to begin with so I dont see the need to change, although it could have been nice if they could reformat it to the 16:9 aspect instead of just stretching the old interface.
What changed is the little things you notice. For example during shooting in the old LX-1 you can choose to display shooting info or SI and histogram, or the thirds grid but not all at the same time. This time you could, you even have a choice of 2 grids to use.
For the pros it might not seem much, but for anyone else, it helps somewhat if they want to learn about composition, the rule of thirds, golden mean, etc. or for more basic tasks like lining the horizon.
Besides that they have added a travel mode to the list of pre-programs. Not much use to me since im using a more sophisticated organizer on my PC.
On the picture review mode they have also added a "calendar mode!"
It shows a grid of the month much like your microsoft outlook so you can browse the pics by date taken...
Dunno, maybe someday I could find use for that calendar heheh.
And of course theres the increase in pixel count, which I think is not too significant.
I would have preferred a sensor size increase over this. Instead of squeezing more pixels in that already micro miniscule sensor plane.
So finally if you ask me, is it worth buying this over the LX-2?
I think the technical answer to that would be No.
Unless you are the amateur auto point and shooter which would benefit most from the better JPG image profiling, but then again, why would an amateur point and shooter buy a Leica?
For everyone else its technically 95% the same camera as the LX-2. Its "Fabrique' Au Japon" as the German people say, even though it says "Leica Camera Germany" on the back. Yes people this thing came out the same Japanese factory as the LX-2. So its all down to how much are you willing to pay for the "Red dot"?
For the LX-1 or D-Lux 2 owners is it worth it? Maybe.
I cannot highly recommend it, since the upgrade is only slight, mostly on the user interface side, picture quality wise, you can take a comparable shot with your old cam.
Brands aside this camera, be it Leica or Panasonic is a great camera, probably the best pro compact camera in the world, yes, in the world! One of the few compact cameras, if not the only one on sale now with RAW capabilities and all the creative features that would put alot of more expensive cameras to shame. Dont worry much about the noise issues dominating most of the reviews on the net, most of the time, you wont notice it.
And at a price point lower than when LX-1 first came out its a bargain.
Maybe in the future I would say only 2 things could improve this camera, a better sensor and an external flash support, if hotshoe is big, do Wireless flash dammit... now that would be the perfect compact cam.
I think Canon G7 could have been a contender but it missed without the RAW capability.
But with Lightroom, the programme seems to be able to give u control to WB and highlight and shadows and makes RAW files less necessary. I'm no expert in this area and have not explored fully.
I will skip the upgrade to LX2 or Digilux 3 and continue to use my LX1.
I should say "these cameras" I really do mean the LX-1 and LX-2
Its really not a necessary upgrade, I feel that both cameras take comparable shot.
The 2Mpix increase is almost negligible quality wise.
I did check the G7, not only the cam is expensive, it cost as much as the D-Lux 3, 100 bucks more than the LX-2, it doesnt do RAW. Why Canon took it off is beyond me.
Anyway, Lightroom has the WB and highlight for RAW.
I dont think you can change a badly white balanced JPG the way RAW can, not to mention the dynamic range and details that RAW has. So RAW is still a must for me to help with my sometimes inadequate shooting skillz
And at that price, why even bother buying the G7?
tomcat
Senior Member
Between LX2 and D-Lux3.... maybe
Between LX2 and Digilux 3.... gotta add another zero at least, I'm afraid. :bigeyes:
tomcat
Senior Member
There's some pics posted showing the difference in looks between the images from the LX2 and D-Lux 3 here for those who are interested:
http://www.pbase.com/koo22/leica_dlux_3
http://www.pbase.com/koo22/leica_dlux_3
Singapore21
Senior Member
Played around with my bro's silver D-Lux 3 last night during dinner... only thing i can offer here from that short encounter is that it doesn't seem to have red-eye problems.. 
I'm in Frankfurt now and was looking for the Digilux 3...found one shop and they are selling it for 2500 euros.So with the tax free claim should cost about S$4300.First time saw it physically and its a beautiful camera better than the Panasonic.I think once its in singapore it will be slightly cheaper.Will be my 2nd Leica if I decide to get it.Got a D Lux 2 earlier this year and served me well.How much can I get if I decide to sell my D Lux 2?Its still under warranty.Anyone?Thinking of upgrading to D Lux 3.Thanks...
Hi, I just bagged a Leica D-Lux 3 home just last week and it has been such a thrill even just looking at it. For one, it's super sleek and itd minimalist look is so timeless. I have been test-riding this baby for a couple of days now, and here are just some quick thoughts for those who are keen on getting this camera.
1. Cathay Photo retails Leica D-Lux 3 for S$1128 inc. GST. If you are at Peninsula Plaza, please be careful as some of the stalls are really out to cheat your money. I am speaking from past experiences.
2. The wide 3.0" screen is truly an amazing attribute of the camera. It is capable of 16:9 photo format, and is best for architectural and landscape photos. I have used it for street photography and I personally feel that such a wide frame really allows one to compose really nice shots!
3. Battery life is amazingly good. I have used it for around four days and I think I have taken no less than 300 shots and it is sill going strong.
4. The focus is fast, metering is accurate, and I just love the ability of the camera to toggle from full automatic to full manul function. The anti shake function is very helpful as well. The camera boasts wide ISO (from 100-1600) and there are so many thoughtful functions in this camera! Although some critics may say that this adds to the complexity of the camera, I feel that once you understand your camera, it will not be a hassle.
5. The engineering and design of D-Lux 3 is such a beauty. It feels rightly heavy in your hands -owing to its full aluminium alloy body- and its super sleek and minimalist design is such a thing to drool over.
6. It is a tad expensive, but worth every single penny. Good softwares as compared to Lumix, good robust body that I think is bombproof *chuckles* and hey, it is afterall a Leica.
Quality without compromise.
7. I was also told that Leica has a much higher resale value.
For those really considering, feel free to ask me anything. Will be glad to help if I can!
Cheers =)
1. Cathay Photo retails Leica D-Lux 3 for S$1128 inc. GST. If you are at Peninsula Plaza, please be careful as some of the stalls are really out to cheat your money. I am speaking from past experiences.
2. The wide 3.0" screen is truly an amazing attribute of the camera. It is capable of 16:9 photo format, and is best for architectural and landscape photos. I have used it for street photography and I personally feel that such a wide frame really allows one to compose really nice shots!
3. Battery life is amazingly good. I have used it for around four days and I think I have taken no less than 300 shots and it is sill going strong.
4. The focus is fast, metering is accurate, and I just love the ability of the camera to toggle from full automatic to full manul function. The anti shake function is very helpful as well. The camera boasts wide ISO (from 100-1600) and there are so many thoughtful functions in this camera! Although some critics may say that this adds to the complexity of the camera, I feel that once you understand your camera, it will not be a hassle.
5. The engineering and design of D-Lux 3 is such a beauty. It feels rightly heavy in your hands -owing to its full aluminium alloy body- and its super sleek and minimalist design is such a thing to drool over.
6. It is a tad expensive, but worth every single penny. Good softwares as compared to Lumix, good robust body that I think is bombproof *chuckles* and hey, it is afterall a Leica.
Quality without compromise.
7. I was also told that Leica has a much higher resale value.
For those really considering, feel free to ask me anything. Will be glad to help if I can!
Cheers =)
It is a beautiful camera...simple and elegant in its own way.I paid almost $1200 for my DLUX2.People always say that its got good resale value but do you think I can sell my camera for a good price since DLUX3 is out now...don't think so dude.If leica dont come out with a DLUX4 then your camera may have better resale value.I'd be happy if I can sell my camera for $800...any takers?
Singapore21
Senior Member
i think there's quite a bit of shutter lag in the D-Lux 3, missed several critical moments.
Singapore21
Senior Member
Anyone knows where to find the Black D-Lux3? Can only find silver ones leh...
emptycan69
New Member
My latest news is Cathy Photo is selling at $1080.00, inclusive of GST and they have got the black colour as you preferred But, no "free" leather pouch as some got it in other countries. This leather pouch cost about $100++ according to the staff. If you asked me where to get it from, I will tell you, to get a Leica, is not any camera shop have and is better to get from a reliable shop rather than cheaper by that little amount and you might not know the souce of the set.
RudyTT forget to mention something very useful is, it's capability of using a 4GB HC SD Card. By using a 1GB card, setting it to raw, can only take roughly 40 - 48 pictures. So, to upgrage to a 4GB card seems to be a MUST.
Next, something MUST remember when using this Leica D-Lux 3 is, remember to remove the cover before you power on it. If we are too use to using normal DC, then this a MUST change habit. Even though I do not know what will happen to the lens if we keep on forgetting to remove the cover before power on the camera, but since the price of this camera is not a "consumable" price, therefore, please take care while handling it, if you still consider that you are going to sell it off at a later stage.
Have you check out the website on the 1st post? The comparison of photos taken with LX2 and D-Lux 3? Maybe you can check it out before deciding what to get.
I do not know the price of the LX2, but if the price is not 2/3 higher, and is only near 1/2 the price higher, I would go for a "dreamed" camera. What do you think? :think: :think:
Well, if you don't care about the price, then better don't check out the price of the LX2 if what you want is quality. (Just in case after you bought D-Lux 3 and you found out that you should have got the LX2)
If you read chinese, there is also a Taiwanese photographer who wrotes good comments about LX2 and he do not agree to pay for the price of D-Lux 3 compare with LX2.
Well, maybe you can consider getting a LX2, and a Leica Minilux Zoom (negative camera). In this way, you can own both. :bsmilie: :bsmilie:
RudyTT forget to mention something very useful is, it's capability of using a 4GB HC SD Card. By using a 1GB card, setting it to raw, can only take roughly 40 - 48 pictures. So, to upgrage to a 4GB card seems to be a MUST.
Next, something MUST remember when using this Leica D-Lux 3 is, remember to remove the cover before you power on it. If we are too use to using normal DC, then this a MUST change habit. Even though I do not know what will happen to the lens if we keep on forgetting to remove the cover before power on the camera, but since the price of this camera is not a "consumable" price, therefore, please take care while handling it, if you still consider that you are going to sell it off at a later stage.
Have you check out the website on the 1st post? The comparison of photos taken with LX2 and D-Lux 3? Maybe you can check it out before deciding what to get.
I do not know the price of the LX2, but if the price is not 2/3 higher, and is only near 1/2 the price higher, I would go for a "dreamed" camera. What do you think? :think: :think:
Well, if you don't care about the price, then better don't check out the price of the LX2 if what you want is quality. (Just in case after you bought D-Lux 3 and you found out that you should have got the LX2)
If you read chinese, there is also a Taiwanese photographer who wrotes good comments about LX2 and he do not agree to pay for the price of D-Lux 3 compare with LX2.
Well, maybe you can consider getting a LX2, and a Leica Minilux Zoom (negative camera). In this way, you can own both. :bsmilie: :bsmilie:
Anyone knows where can get a good price for a Leica D-Lux 3 (Black) in Singapore?
Whether it worths the extra money to buy a Panasonic Lumix LX2 ?
It has been my dream to own a Leica camera ever seen started this hobby years ago.
I appreciate your comments.
I got it for $950 w/o GST. So, $977.50 in all. Get an e-quote b4 you head down to CP.
Hi buddy, that was a great comment and do appreciate. :thumbsup:
I do check around for LX2 price is about $690 (free 2G SB Card) and if D-Lux 3 selling at about $1K, the different is about $300+. If this equipment can last for 3 - 4 years before next generation camera come along. I guess it could well worth the extra.
By the way, I own a Contax T2 and a very good & solid film based camera. May be I should sell it to fund my next Leica camera...
emptycan69
New Member
Well, Star-flog, maybe you can check with snoopytan where he got his camera. Before you really sell your Contax T2, please remember that T2 is a different type of camera compare to D-Lux 3. One is a film camera, the other is digital. If you really want to "drop off" film photography totally, then I won't persude you to "keep" your T2. But if you think you still have that "little" enthusiasm in film photograhy, then I would advice you to keep it if you are not "financially tight" in order to get a D-Lux 3.
I am still keeping my Nikon F90S even though I got a D50 (got it because of the Nikon lens I have) . Still thinking of picking up film photography one day. Afraid that I will "regret" after I sold it off. Actually I should have sold it years back when it still catches some value. Well, now since the price has dropped so much, no point selling it. Just keep it.
Hope this will helps.
I am still keeping my Nikon F90S even though I got a D50 (got it because of the Nikon lens I have) . Still thinking of picking up film photography one day. Afraid that I will "regret" after I sold it off. Actually I should have sold it years back when it still catches some value. Well, now since the price has dropped so much, no point selling it. Just keep it.
Hope this will helps.
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